College of the Canyons’ Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA) is a partnership between machining educators, autism specialists, local and state agencies, and non-profit and for-profit organizations. The Academy provides skills training for people with high-functioning autism that enables them to excel at computer numerical control (CNC) machining. “The program also includes awareness training for employers,” said Mike Bastine, regional director of Advanced Manufacturing for the South Coast Center Region and a founder of the UAA at College of the Canyons. “We educate HR about this workforce that might not interview well but has the tech knowledge and focus that ops and shop floor managers will love.” Training also extends to employees, so they understand and appreciate the mannerisms of their new coworkers.
Funded through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, UAA is offered at no cost to students or employers. College of the Canyons partners with the California Department of Rehabilitation, America’s Job Center of California and Los Angeles-based Jay Nolan Community Services to execute the program.
The Academy offers a 12-week, 400-hour program, with classes meeting Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Students augment their learning with SME Tooling U online training modules. At the end of the program, each graduate has:
- A college certificate of successful completion
- National Career Readiness Certificate®
- Tooling U-SME certification
- Three industry-recognized credentials from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills
- Manufactured parts to show employers
- Interview and soft skills training
- A polished resume
John Milburn, executive director, economic and workforce advancement at college of the Canyons says, “The Uniquely Abled Academy is a business venture. We are delivering skilled workers for in-demand jobs. Our graduates have specialized skillset that enables them to become top performers for local employers.”
The Beginnings of the Uniquely Abled Academy
Ivan Rosenberg, Ph.D., is a management consultant who helps companies solve business challenges. He is also the father of two children on the autism spectrum and knows the unique abilities of many people in this population. When Rosenberg learned of the CNC machinist shortage and the skills required of the role, he realized people with high-functioning autism could be a natural fit. Today the Uniquely Abled Project operates with the goal of enabling those with a diagnosis to have a meaningful career that provides income, dignity and purpose – all while filling a major need for employers.
Understanding the Skills of People with High-Functioning Autism
Several factors contribute to the underrepresentation of people with autism in today’s colleges and workforce. People with autism often have personality traits that mainstream society may perceive as divergent from the norm. John Milburn notes, “People with autism tend to be very literal and may not pick up on social cues. The Academy provides a classroom experience that is conducive to their learning and working styles. Our instructors are impressed with the students’ laser-sharp focus, attention to detail, temperment for repetitive tasks and ability to work independently. These traits are an excellent match for the job requirements of CNC machinists, which includes excellent programming skills, incredible attention to detail and the ability to perform repetitive tasks alone, safely and without distraction.”
Employers Impressed With Uniquely Abled Academy Graduates
With College of the Canyon’s two completed cohorts, the graduation and placement rates are 90%. Employers seek out the program’s graduates and offer these testimonials:
“Solid workers, staying on task, eager to take on more knowledge and try anything you throw at them. I would definitely hire these students again. It would be my first choice.”
—Brian Schlofelt, president of Pacific Metal Stampings
“They are so appreciative of any input and any opportunity to learn something new. They grasp things much faster than the average student.”
—Randy Lusk, CEO of Lusk Quality
“Predominate traits – very focused, very dedicated and attention to detail. We have clients that have high accuracy requirements, which makes the UAA graduates perfect candidates for that type of work.”
—Alain Belisle CEO of Intelitek Engineering
Insights for Starting a Uniquely Abled Academy
The first UAA cohort at College of the Canyons started in 2018. Now two cohorts in, Milburn and Bastine offered these insights for starting a UAA:
- Ensure all stakeholders understand the untapped potential of the high-functioning autism population and how they can be essential for filling in-demand jobs.
- Know the cost per student may be higher than other Contract Ed programs. Milburn said once stakeholders understood the return on investment, they agreed it made sense.
- Be prepared for pushback, as the program duration of 12 weeks (some programs are up to 16 weeks) is longer than the usual 8 weeks for a Contract Ed program.
- Work with autism specialists to create a solid candidate vetting process.
- Engage families early and often. Families of people with autism are usually very invested in their well-being. Therefore, ensure that communications are robust and inclusive.
- Rest assured, you are not starting from scratch. The UAP is an existing network with extensive resources. Milburn said he is happy to talk with any college interested in starting a UAA.
Milburn said colleges interested in starting a Uniquely Abled Academy program should contact UAP at [email protected] or reach out to the following staff at College of the Canyons:
Devin Daugherty Ph.D., MAS, MPA
Director, Center for Applied Competitive Technologies
661.362.3111 | [email protected]
Lynda T. DePerno
Coordinator, Center for Applied Competitive Technologies
661.362.3112 | [email protected]